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22 JAX AIR NEWS, NAS JACKSONVILLE, Thursday, April 17, 2008 . From Page 1 “We have been travel- ing to several different bases nationwide, visit- ing all the sites that these aircraft may be based out of. These site include NAS Jax, NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., NAS North Island in San Diego and Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay to introduce the DEIS to the public and give the community the opportunity to voice their environmental and economic concerns,” con- tinued Keys. “The DEIS is a nearly 1,000-page docu- ment and the public can give their comments as to whether they think we did the right analysis or let us know if we missed some- thing. These comments will be incorporated into the final EIS which will be put out this fall.” The DEIS evaluated potential environmental consequences to resources such as air quality, arche- ological/cultural resourc- es, coastal considerations, noise, traffic, water qual- ity, wetlands/floodplains and the impact to threat- ened and endangered spe- cies. “The P-8A is a military version of the Boeing 737 which is the most common aircraft flown commercial- ly. There really is no envi- ronmental impact if you look at wetlands or endan- gered species,” stated Lisa Padgett of FFC. “What we will have is a change in the noise because we are transitioning from a propeller aircraft to a jet engine.” The transition will reduce the number of aircraft and personnel required to complete the patron squadron (VP) mis- sion. “This is a huge tran- sition for the Navy. These planes are much easier to maintain than the P-3 and require far less mainte- nance to increase their lia- bility,” said Chris Harding, EIS project manager. The transition will reduce the VP’s aircraft Navy-wide from 120 to 84 and reduce the num- ber of squadron personnel from 4,760 to 3,309 creat- ing more cost-effective and efficient VP communities. “It’s very exciting to be a crewmember and be part of this transition. It’s a rolling transition, one squadron at a time, one base at a time,” added Harding. The public has until April 25 to voice their con- cerns and can do so by sub- mitting written comments to Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, Attn: MMA PM, 6506 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, Va. 23508-1278. They can also fax them to (757) 322-4894 or submit them through the project Website at www.MMAEIS.com using the comments and contact information link. SEABEES: Event honors fallen comrades From Page 1 “We do this because we must remember those who have spilled their blood for us and our country. I know this is difficult for the families to be here today, but it’s something we must do to remember our fallen comrades,” said Newman. After recognizing some of the families in atten- dance, he told them, “You have paid the sacrifice that I can’t imagine. Those dark days of late April and early May 2004, less than three years after 9/11, will be etched in our memories forever. Not a day should go by that we don’t remem- ber those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and NMCB-14 has paid that. There have been 15 KIAs during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Almost half of those were on NMCB-14’s first deployment. I thank you families, and I’m sorry.” One family member, Karen Anderson brought her daughter, Brandi to pay tribute to her husband, Michael. “When I found out they were having this memorial to honor Michael, I thought it was a great opportunity to be around people who feel like we do. They under- stand how we feel because many people don’t under- stand what we’ve been through,” she said. Another guest was retired BU2 Pete Herrick who lost a leg and was left a quad- riplegic by a mortar attack that killed five of his fellow Seabees on May 2, 2004. “It’s an incredible honor to be here today. When I found out about this cer- emony, there was no way I wasn’t going to make it here for the ceremony. It means a lot to know that I’m still involved with the Seabees,” said Herrick.” While the memorial ser- vice is held each year to remember those lost, it also gives family members the assurance that the Navy family is there for them. “There is still a lot of pain and scars that are not completely healed and I’m not sure they ever will be. This is the first year, we’ve had some wives and parents join us. It’s taken some time for them to be able to associate with us and remember in a positive way, the contributions of their husband or son,” said Newman. Photos by QM2 Nicole Beatty Capt. Scott Newman, commander, 3rd Naval Construction Regiment, and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gary Rouse, lay a wreath with seven yellow ribbons in front of a plaque honoring the seven fallen shipmates. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14 Commanding Officer Capt. Gary Rouse remembers seven sailors from his com- mand who were killed in combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the 2004 deployment to Al Anbar Province, Iraq. P-8A: Public given a chance to sound off MDA seeks volunteers for 2008 summer camp The Muscular Dystrophy Associ- ation is searching for summer camp volunteers who are looking for a rewarding and memorable experience. Volunteer counselors are needed to assist young people with neuromuscular diseases and help them enjoy a fun-filled MDA summer camp June 7-12 at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, Ga. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to lift and care for a young person between the ages of 6 and 21. Each volunteer counselor becomes a companion to a camper with a neuromuscular disease and helps them with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing. Counselors will also assist campers with recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and horseback riding. To obtain a volunteer application or learn about other ways to support MDA’s summer camp program, call (800) 572-1717. More information about summer camp volunteers can be found at www.mda.org/clinics/camp. JAA Ambassador Volunteer Program needs volunteers If you enjoy assisting people, are in good health, can stand on your feet at least four hours or more, can volunteer at least four or more hours in a day per week (volunteers are needed seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., we can use you at the Jacksonville International Airport. We are looking for volunteers to assist passengers, visitors, airport tenants and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. If interested, please contact Yvonne Pooler at 741-2006/3723. Boy Scouts need some help The Boy Scouts of America is currently in need of volunteers to work with at risk children in two communities in Jacksonville. The program is primarily in the afternoon for one hour, one day a week. We also have some weekend activities that the volunteers may attend. We understand that monetary gifts are good, but time is the most precious commodity of all, and being a team leader can mean a lot to a young child. If not a team leader, be a presenter to share your special skills with children. If interested please contact Aubrey Smith at 504-6182. Mentors needed The Children’s Home Society is looking for volunteers to become mentors to children ages 4-15 who have a parent incarcerated in prison. For more information, call 493-7747. Homeless shelter The I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless serves more than 1,000 meals per day, every day of the year. These meals are prepared and served with the help of over 100 civic, religious and business organizations from the Jacksonville community. Serving meals at the center is a fun and feel-good way to give back to the community. For information about volunteering at the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, call 394-1356. HELPING HANDS
